Our Lord's ascension and what it means to our 8th grade graduates and to all of us. Why did he leave after promising to always be with us? What does that mean for our lives here on Earth? How is that comforting in our unknown future.

Peace begins not as a feeling, it is objective, a thing. When we 'keep on heeding' God's Word His peace is felt, it gives us courage, and guides our lives. May you keep on heeding His Word so that His peace will guard your heart and your mind.

The Apostle Peter is commanded to make no distinction between Jew and Gentile - so he goes and the Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles. Peter does not want to be found going against God even when it seems contradictory to his thoughts. Today we are to go to all nations with the Good News of Jesus.

God leads Peter to the Gentiles and the Holy Spirit falls upon them just as on the Apostles. 

The Shepherd continues to seek you out and will until that day He comes to bring you home. While we are here, there are dangers all around, many voices continue to call out - are you hearing the one who gives you life?

Who do you find yourself following in this world? What voices do you listen to? There's only one that will lead you to the place you want to go - make sure you listen and follow that voice.

What does it mean when Jesus commands, "Follow Me"? What does your confession before God and the Church mean to you now? See why God commands and we take seriously the confession to never fall away.

What does Jesus mean by "Peace"? Because it sure seems the disciples are still in danger, in fact they are all martyred in this life (excepting John). Also, what did he mean by giving them the authority to forgive or withhold sins?

Our King comes humbly, to serve. In our sinful flesh we would prefer a worldly conquering hero, but Jesus came to destroy sin, death and the devil, to reconcile us to God, to bring glory to God in the highest.

What does it mean to forget what lies behind? To strive towards the upward call? Listen and grow in the faith.